Incorporating The Can-Can Into Your Wedding: A Guide

Wedding traditions vary, and while some couples opt for modern and unexpected celebrations, others prefer to uphold time-honoured customs. One such tradition is the practice of decorating the getaway car with tin cans, a custom said to have originated from the French word 'charivari', meaning to perform a noisy mock celebration for a newly married couple. Although less common today, many couples still choose to incorporate this tradition, tying tin cans to the bumper of their vehicle, along with a ''Just Married' sign, to announce their recent nuptials as they drive away from the reception.

'Can Can' as a wedding venue

Can Can is a delightful venue for your special day, offering exclusive event spaces with a dynamic function of ambiance and comfort. The private dining rooms can accommodate up to sixty people for a seated meal and up to one hundred for a standing reception or cocktails.

The venue boasts beautiful decor, delicious food, and exceptional service. Their private event coordinator will take care of every detail, from custom printed menus to candlelight and parking, ensuring your wedding is an unforgettable experience.

Can Can's private dining rooms provide the perfect atmosphere, whether you're planning an intimate breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or a larger gathering with cocktails. Their menus are tailored to each occasion, and their sommelier can recommend the perfect wines to complement your chosen dishes.

For a unique and memorable wedding venue, Can Can is an excellent choice, offering a combination of elegance, comfort, and personalised service that will leave you and your guests with lasting memories.

'Just Married' signs

The tradition of tying cans to a newlywed couple's car is said to have come from the French word "charivari", or "shivaree", which means to perform a noisy mock celebration of a newly married couple. This tradition has evolved over the years, and nowadays, couples often add a "Just Married" sign to their getaway car, in addition to the cans. Here are some ideas for "Just Married" signs:

"Just Married" Hanging Wedding Banner

This lightweight paper sign in a script font is the perfect prop for photos and doubles as decor for the reception. It comes in various colours, including coffee ink with greige ribbon, dark navy ink with silver ribbon, and lavender ink with gold ribbon.

"Just Married" Banner

A gold glitter "Just Married" banner is perfect for a getaway car, a backdrop, or a table decoration. The banner is pre-strung on 6-foot strands, so there's no DIY required!

"Just Married" Neon Sign

For something a little different, consider a dimmable LED neon "Just Married" sign. This artistic wall decor is USB-powered and will add a unique touch to your wedding decorations.

"Just Married" Car Magnets

These ornate car magnets are a fun and easy way to decorate your getaway car. They are 12 x 7.5 inches in size and come in a set of four.

"Just Married" Car Window Decals

If you're looking for something more subtle, these car window decals are a great option. They measure 22.4 x 5 inches and are easy to apply and remove.

In addition to these ideas, there are plenty of other "Just Married" signs available, including wooden signs, banners, and even car licence plates!

Wedding car decoration ideas

Decorating your wedding car is a sweet way to celebrate your big day and can make for some memorable photos. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Tin Cans

The tradition of tying tin cans to the back of the getaway car is a fun and noisy way to announce your newlywed status as you drive off. This custom is said to have originated from the French word "charivari" or "shivaree", which means to perform a noisy mock celebration of a newly married couple. You can decorate the cans with colourful ribbons and flowers, and tie them securely to the bumper or trailer hitch. Just remember to use empty cans only!

"Just Married" Sign

A "Just Married" sign is a classic and iconic wedding car decoration. You can pair it with other decorations like flowers, ribbons, or greenery for a vintage-inspired look. For a simple and stylish option, consider a basic "Just Married" sticker or decal, which you can customise to match your wedding colour theme.

Flowers and Garlands

Flowers add a whimsical and romantic touch to your wedding car. Opt for a floral wreath, which you can dress up with ribbons, or keep it simple with a greenery garland. If you're looking for something more unique, try tissue paper flower decorations, which are an affordable and long-lasting alternative to fresh blooms.

Balloons and Ribbons

Helium balloons tied to the door handles or trailing ribbons and bows across the bonnet add a fun and festive touch. You can even incorporate letter balloons to spell out a message like "Cheers" or "I do". For a more personalised option, consider a giant car bow with custom text.

Personalised Stickers and Decals

Personalised stickers or decals with your names and wedding date are a great way to make your wedding car unique. You can stick them on any surface of the car, including the windows, and they're easy to apply and remove.

Whether you choose to go with one or a combination of these ideas, don't forget to plan ahead and get permission if you're renting a car. Happy decorating!

Wedding car decoration 101

Decorating the wedding car is a fun tradition that can be as unique as the couple themselves. Whether you're planning a grand entrance or a memorable send-off, there are numerous ways to make the happy news known. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Who Decorates the Wedding Car?

Traditionally, it is the responsibility of the wedding party, specifically the groomsmen, to decorate the getaway car. However, nowadays, many couples like to be included in the process, and some even enlist the help of a wedding planner or event stylist.

When to Decorate:

It is essential to plan ahead and decorate the car well in advance. Work with the couple or the wedding planner to determine the timeline for the grand entrance or exit. Confirm which car will be decorated and where it will be located to ensure your plan aligns with the rest of the day's schedule.

Where to Buy Decorations:

You can find wedding car decorations at various stores, depending on your preferences and level of creativity:

• Amazon: Offers a wide variety of options, from fluffy bows to glittery banners, and allows you to search for items by color, eco-friendliness, and business type.
• Etsy: A great choice for personalized options, such as custom license plates, car decals, and tin can garlands.
• Michaels: This craft store is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, offering artificial flowers, colourful markers, and other supplies for creating unique decorations.

Decoration Ideas:

• "Just Married" Signs: The classic "just married" sign is a popular choice, and you can get creative with the design and placement. Consider pairing it with flowers, ribbons, or tin cans for a festive touch.
• Flowers and Greenery: Fresh or silk flowers add a whimsical and elegant touch to the wedding car. Create bouquets, wreaths, or garlands to drape across the trunk or bumper.
• Ribbons and Bows: Use colourful ribbons to tie bouquets or create elegant bows to adorn the car. Combine ribbons with tulle, fresh flowers, or both for a unique look.
• Tin Cans: Tin cans are an iconic wedding detail, creating a joyful noise as the couple drives away. Be sure to use empty cans, remove any labels, and attach them securely with durable string or rope.
• Window Markers: Write fun messages or draw designs on the car's windows using window markers or liquid chalk. Keep it simple with "Just Married" or encourage honks and cheers with "Honk! We're Married!"
• Balloons: Stuff the car with balloons or tie them to the car to grab attention. Heart-shaped balloons in the wedding colours or classic red and white are perfect for this.
• Banners and Pennants: Opt for magnetic wedding banners or those that can be tied onto the vehicle. Spell out messages, such as "Cheers," "I do," or the couple's initials.
• License Plates: A fun memento for the couple, "Just Married" license plates can be purchased or engraved with the couple's names and wedding date.

Remember to use caution when attaching items to the car, especially if it is a rental. Avoid materials that may damage the car's finish, such as spray paint, whipped cream, or certain types of tape. Always confirm with the transportation company or car owner if there are any decoration restrictions.

Wedding cans on the getaway car

The idea is to let everyone know that a couple has just been married as they drive away from the reception. The cans are typically tied to strings and attached to the back of the car to create a show and make some noise. While this tradition may not be as common as it used to be, many couples still incorporate it in creative ways.

If you want to include wedding cans on your getaway car, here are some tips and ideas to consider:

• Who should decorate the car? Anyone can be tasked with decorating the getaway car, including family members, friends, the bridal party, or even the couple's wedding planner.
• When should the cans be tied to the car? If you plan to include painted cans that match your wedding palette, make sure to prep them ahead of time. The cans should be strung before the big day and tied to the car after the ceremony, before the reception ends.
• Creative ideas for decorating the cans: You can paint the cans, add colourful ribbons and flowers, or even the couple's wedding date. You can also include other noisemakers like jingle bells, cowbells, or maracas.
• How many cans should be used? Typically, getaway cars use six to eight cans to add some noise to the celebration without being too loud.
• What else can be included in the display? To announce the couple's marriage boldly, consider adding a ""Just Married" sign or lettering to the car.
• How to secure the cans to the car: Use a strong line, such as twine, and attach it to the cans by punching a hole and tying it through or wrapping it around multiple times and securing it with hot glue. Tie the cans tightly to the bumper or trailer hitch of the car.

Frequently asked questions